Killer father of Sara Sharif attacked in UK jail

LONDON: Urfan Sharif, father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, was reportedly attacked in prison just weeks after being jailed for her murder.

According to The Sun newspaper, Sharif, father of Sara, was attacked on New Year’s Day by two inmates in a cell at Belmarsh Prison, southeast London.

He reportedly sustained cuts to his neck and face and received medical treatment within the facility.

Police are investigating the claims that Urfan Sharif was assaulted in prison.

The 43-year-old, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December after being convicted, alongside Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool, for the murder of Sara at their home in Woking, Surrey.

A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. It would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.”

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Belmarsh, a Category A prison, houses some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders. Reports suggest Sharif was attacked with a makeshift weapon. The Metropolitan Police stated they are investigating the assault, adding, “The 43-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries.”

Sara Sharif endured a prolonged “campaign of torture” over two years, including beatings and burns, before her body was discovered in August 2023. Sharif received a minimum 40-year sentence for murder, while Batool, 30, was sentenced to at least 33 years. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was given a 16-year sentence for causing or allowing her death.

The trio fled to Islamabad, Pakistan, with Sara’s five siblings a day before her body was found, triggering an international manhunt. They evaded authorities for four weeks before returning to the UK, where they were arrested.